Karmelo Anthony. Then 17. Was found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track and field event at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025, according to court testimony and reports. The fatal stabbing occurred after a confrontation over a tent during a rainstorm.

Stabbing Incident and Aftermath

The incident began when Anthony allegedly ran under a tent meant for Frisco Memorial High School athletes to avoid the rain; Metcalf, a member of the track team, asked Anthony to leave. According to witnesses, Anthony responded with, “Touch me and see what happens.” Metcalf reportedly pushed or grabbed Anthony, prompting Anthony to pull a knife from his bag and stab him in the chest.

The knife wound was described as oval-shaped and 2 inches in length by Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, Collin County’s chief medical examiner. The stab wound pierced both the chest bone and the pericardium, the heart’s protective sac, and reached the right ventricle. Ventura confirmed during the trial that the injury was not survivable.

Prosecutors presented graphic autopsy photos to the jury, which reportedly caused several jurors to gasp and Metcalf’s family to leave the courtroom. Metcalf’s final words, as reported by prosecutors, were, “I’ve been stabbed.” He bled out as he stumbled down rows of bleachers before his twin brother, Hunter, rushed to his side.

Jury Deliberation and Sentencing

Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilty. They also decided to impose a 35-year prison sentence for Anthony. During the sentencing, Metcalf’s parents expressed their grief and called for empathy for Anthony. Metcalf’s father, Jeff, stated, “This was never about race or politics. We’re all humans. We all bleed the same color,” according to NBC News.

Anthony’s mother, Kayla Hayes, asked the jury to “please have mercy on my son” before the sentencing. Metcalf’s mother, Meghan, said Anthony should “feel lucky,” adding, “You may have just been given a sentence of 35 years. You should feel lucky, because I’ve been sentenced to a life without my son.”

Appeal and Public Reaction

Anthony has filed a notice of appeal in the case, according to reports. The case has drawn national attention, partly due to social media discussions about race, as Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. However, both defense and prosecution attorneys, as well as Metcalf’s family, stated that race was not a factor in the crime.

The case has sparked broader conversations about school violence and knife possession among teens. No further details on the appeal or its timeline have been provided at this time.